John-Talmage Mathis

The ordeals of others . . .prepare us, andlater become the compass . . .in our time of ordeal.

Preparation:allows you to prevent . . .the intensity of the ordeal.

When the noise is gone, and the air is still . . .prepare for survival.

Electricity, shelter, and a safe place to sleep . . .trump the need to preserve your credit score, orpurchase a new gizmo.

Don__ allow past experiences to be forgotten.Hold them close.

Life is about finding . . .what works best for you.

Life isn__ fair. It doesn__ make sense. This unfairness is felt by everyone, from the Las Vegas tunnel dweller all the way to the executive in the high-rise. To some, these __nfair_ experiences become a chastening ball and chain attached for the remainder of life.

I've never felt that the American Dream was owed to me. I never felt that I was entitled to this Dream. This is why I laid the cobblestone before me for this Dream to be achieved.

My first bit of advice is to not personalize a job loss. The cause for the dismissal was a business calculation. This is difficult for many to grasp; it__ difficult to accept that events just occur. Come to see this as an experience. Obviously not the most pleasant experience, but it is one that you__l overcome.

Don__ forget:Ruts aren__ that much different . . .from graves.

Creativity and passion dwindle when hungry. Premiums for talent are easier to demand when desperation isn__ part of the equation. If I__ established, I can demand $350 an hour. If I__ desperate, I may accept $5.

Was I a fool to believe in fate or in some destined illusionary path? I don't know. But we all need something to believe in.

So I resort back to such ideology: we all have a calling. We all have an ultimate purpose. On that is laid before us by destiny or one that is positioned in the crosshairs of our long-term goals.

Let your strength from the pastprovide proof of your abilities to . . .conquer the difficulties of the present.

All decisions we__e come to accept as right or wrong are ingrained in us from the society in which we abide. Rights and wrongs are not universally known or transferable.

The truth is, living in any society is difficult. Those who become desperate with a fractured sense of security are much more prone to being taken advantaged of.

And to fight this beast of wrong is what I intend to do. To do otherwise is to sidestp this rabid injustice.

The pain and shame felt are unknown to those with planned vacations. They know not of the tsunami that rescinded the homes, goals, and hopes of its victims__wallowed by the sea of greed.